Best For Bourbon Fans: Nikka From The Barrel
Courtesy of Master of Malt
Region: Japan | ABV: 51.4% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, caramel, oak
As a fan of American bourbon, I have found a favorite in Nikka From The Barrel Whisky, says Joshua Lopez of American Social in Florida. It has delicate notes of vanilla, butterscotch and a hint of orange peel. From The Barrel holds its ground complementing an Old Fashioned, and has enough character to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Suntory Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky
ABV: 43% | Age: NAS| Volume: 750 ml
Unlike other Suntory expressions, you can still find Hibiki Harmony in stores pretty easily. This no age statement blended whisky comes in a lovely decanter that, to our eye, resembles a perfume bottle and lends a nice visual contrast to other items on your bar. The whisky is a blend of Yamazaki malt, Hakushu malt, and Chita grain whiskies, and makes a nice sipper or superb highball. Notes of dried fruit and rich malt are ensconced in a subtle spice that tingles the tastebuds.
ABV: 43% | Age: 12 years| Volume: 750 ml
We remember when you could easily buy a bottle of Yamazaki 12 for around $40. Now, youre lucky if that price has a one in front of it. Its an iconic bottle that’s easy to spot on your local shops shelves, though at todays prices, its oft kept behind the counter. As in the past, the buttered toast, citrus, spice, and melon flavors are still lovely today. We used to enjoy Yamazaki in cocktails as well as neat, but thanks to its scarcity, we sip it slowly.
How Should I Store Japanese Whisky
Storing Japanese whisky is pretty simplekeep it in a relatively cool place, out of direct sunlight. Once open, a little bit of oxygen is okay, but when you get to around 40% of the way through, says Patrick, you have about a year until it turns. Not that it will go bad, but he adds that it loses about 80 to 90% of the characteristics the person who made it wanted it to have. To keep it beyond that, both Patrick and Momosé suggest spraying a bit of argon gas into the bottle to stop the continued oxidation. But whiskys meant to be drunk, says Momosé. So I do hope people are opening special bottles and enjoying them.
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Japanese Whiskey Collection: Top 5 Best Whiskey Available In India
The 5 most expensive liquor in the world costs billions
Japanese whiskey is popular all over the world and the premium case is scarcely available in India. A wide range of brands and blends of Japanese whiskey out. Just a few can occupy a spot in your home bar collection. But, what is on-sale, from five quality brand batch stands. Out of their gorgeous mix and long aftertastes.
Shibui Pure Malt Whisky
Average Price:$72
The Whisky:
Shiibui pure malt is a marrying of both Japanese and Scotch malt whiskies. The Japanese malt is blended with a Lowland single malt. The whiskies spend time mellowing a medley of barrels, including bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Mizunara casks.
Tasting Notes:
The malty grains are the star of the show on the nose and in the taste. Those malts present as a dark chocolate-covered Graham cracker next to a light orchard fruitiness on the nose. The taste layers in vanilla from that bourbon barrels as dark raisins, a touch of holiday spice, and a buttery shortcakes flavor profile drive the palate back towards that dark chocolate and cracker.
Bottom Line:
This is a cool example of how sourced Scottish juice can play with Japanese whisky in the bottle. Its subtle yet stands out as something a little bit different and delicious.
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What Is The Smoothest Single Malt Scotch
Top 10 Best Light & Smooth Whiskies
- Auchentoshan 1978. Rating: 88/100.
- Bushmills 21 Year Old. Rating: 87/100.
- Auchentoshan 21 Year Old. Rating: 85/100.
- Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare. Rating: 86/100.
- Redbreast 12 Year Old. Rating: 84/100.
- Knappogue Castle 1995.
- Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask.
- Tomintoul 14 Year Old.
Hatozaki Blended Japanese Whisky
The Distillery: ABV: 40%Price: $44.99
Distilled with the perfect blend of malt and grain, this Kaikyo Distillery masterpiece offers a complex flavour profile thanks to its extensive barreling process in both sherry, bourbon, and Mizunara casks.
What makes this product more unique than most, at least in my opinion, is its wine-like texture and its appearance of crystal clear spirit. In other words, it looks a whole lot like white wine to me!
Tasting Notes:To kick things off, expect initial aromas of malt and cereal, followed by notes of fruity nectarine. Next, with a palate grainy but sweet thanks to its touch of honey, the finish will be enjoyed in full.
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Chichibu Ichiros Malt & Grain Whisky
A well-traveled release, this expression combines whiskeys from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States, while 10-year-old Japanese whisky forms the majority of the blend. On the face of it, those are some very different flavor profiles, but they come together harmoniously via precise blending. Tropical fruit and banana aromas give way to rich caramel on the palate, with peppery spice and dried cherries emerging on the velvety finish. Average price: $108.
Suntory The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky
A single malt made in a historic distillery using wine barrel aged malt and Mizunara barrel aged malt as raw liquor. The sweet vanilla and rich fruit aromas such as strawberries and cherries are enjoyable. Even if you divide it with soda, the scent will not collapse, so you can use a darker highball. It goes well with delicate dishes such as Japanese food.
The whisky is light with dry spice notes and loads of fruity flavours, with a finish that lingers for a while. This is a quintessential Japanese whisky that any whiskey lover should try at least once.
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How Is Japanese Whisky Different From Other Whisky
For one, Japanese whisky doesnt get over-diluted, says Momosé, noting that there are 10-plus different servings of whisky and water in Japan, including ice, club soda, and other highballs. But the only hard and fast rule in Japan is that you cant use kojirice. The new labeling standards will go some distance to help solidify what makes Japanese whisky different, but as of right now, its the Japanese expertise in blending that is making it so special, says Momosé. That is what makes it unique to Japan.
These Essential Bottles Are Worth Seeking Out
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LIQUOR / Chloe Jeong
Best Rice Whisky:Kikori at Drizly
This rice whisky is aged in American oak, French Limousin oak, and sherry casks for a minimum of three years.
Best 18 Year Old:Yamazaki 18 at Drizly
Its aged for 18 years in a combination of American, Spanish and MIzunara oak, giving the whisky a wide range of flavor notes.
Japanese whisky has become incredibly popular over the past few years. Bottles have become increasingly rare, and expensive, as distilleries have claimed to struggle to meet the demand due to the categorys rapid growth. Brands have stepped in to fill the void by offering new blends and NAS whiskies, and many of these are great cocktail components. If you are hunting down bottles, be sure to do your research as some brands source a blend of whiskies made in other countries, bottle it in Japan, and call it Japanese whisky. But theres a reason why its become so popular – there are some truly incredible drams to be drunk. Here are ten of the best bottles out there, with help from a few experts.
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Hibiki Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony
Theres a temptation to lament this whiskys loss of age statement, but on the other hand, it stands as a testament to the popularity and reputation of Japanese whisky. Made using a blend of malt and grain distillates, this bottle lives up to its name and billing, with tropical fruits and flowers defining the nose, and honeyed, malty sweetness coating the palate. Average price: $94.
How To Invest In Japanese Whisky
Certain alcohol like wines and whisky are perfect for investments as their value can increase over time. By purchasing a limited-run edition of a premium spirit you can end up tripling or quadrupling your investment. As Japanese whiskies are in short supply and high demand theyre an excellent choice for investors.
So how to invest in Japanese Whiskey? The best way to invest in Japanese Whisky is to buy bottles that are already scarce and will only become harder to find. Bottles like the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old and the Yoichi 12-Year-Old are prime examples of whiskies that are highly prized and their cost reflects that. Older bottles are in very high demand and many Japanese whisky manufacturers are unable to meet current demand.
When it comes to newer whiskies its hard to predict what will and wont become collectors items.
If a 12-year-old whisky is being made in 2018, that wont be ready until 2030 at the earliest. Its impossible to predict what the market will be like then. Japanese whiskies are world-class so theyre an obvious choice for investors with a single bottle of Karuizawa selling for over $100,000 at auction.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. If you are serious about investing in Japanese whisky, you should consult a professional.
Contents
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The 8 Best Japanese Whiskies You Can Buy In 2021
The love, the lure and the legality of Japanese whisky, as well as the bottles you can actually find and buy.
Japanese whisky used to be an under-the-radar spirit reserved for those in the know. Now it’s absolutely enormous. This definitive guide to Japanese whisky breaks down the lore, love and legality of the spirit, as well as the bottles you can actually buy.
Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky
“Toki” is a Japanese word that means time. Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky is the brainchild of three distilleries: the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita.
Like its sister blend, Suntory Hibiki, Toki is a Japanese malt and grain whisky. However, it has different components: the main ones are Hakushu single malt and Chita grain whisky.
This whisky is the epitome of what Suntory strives for in its whisky. It has a clear gold color with basil, green apple, honey, and grapefruit notes that meld into a mouthwatering flavor.
With sweet undertones, you get hints of peppermint and thyme, which give off an enticing aroma before finishing slightly spicy with vanilla oak, white pepper, and ginger.
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Why Are Japanese Whiskies So Expensive
In brief, its a simple equation of provide and demand. Because Japanese whiskies have this type of prestigious reputation, customers all around the international wish to drink them, and many are keen to pay a lot for the opportunity. In the previous there has simply not been sufficient whisky to satisfy call for, and that has driven up costs. Recently Japan has increased its production significantly in an try to stay up. However much of this extra manufacturing are foreign-distilled whiskies which might be best combined, elderly and bottled in Japan. New rules will come into full impact from 2024, however look for bottles labelled Japanese whisky if you wish to have a whisky that has been totally made in Japan.
What Is The Best Japanese Whisky
Determining the best Japanese whisky for yourself is a very personal choice. It has to do as much with taste and aroma, as with the aesthetics of the packaging and the story behind the spirit. And with the current shortage of available Japanese whisky, and the sky-high prices that go with it, how do you choose which one is the best for you? We crafted this short ranking to help with just that question.
Based on extensive research, our assessments include consideration of some of the following categories:
- Color: Honey gold, amber, or caramelthese colors are all attractive, but some more than others.
- Taste and finish: What is the flavor palate, and how does the spirit finish?
- Aroma: What are the scents that greet your nose when you first take a whiff of a beautiful whisky?
- Price: Though most Japanese whisky on the market is expensive, some are more worth the price than othersand there are actually some deals to be had out there.
- Mixability: The Japanese love to drink highballs, so does this whisky do well when mixed with water and served cold?
- Packaging and history: What is the story behind the spirit, and what kind of craftsmanship has gone into creating the bottle?
These and other factors have led us to choose Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky as the best Japanese whisky.
Take a look at our list before you make your next purchase for your relaxing time.
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Best Bourbon: Makers Mark
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Vanilla, Citrus
Good bourbon can work wonderfully in a highball, particularly if wheat is used as the secondary grain in the mash bill instead of rye. The palate will be a bit sweeter in a wheated bourbon, so a good way to counterbalance this is to make a highball with ginger ale for the bit of spice it provides. And Makers has a bit higher proof than similarly priced bourbons, which means it stands up to such a simple usage and provides an extra burst of flavor and heat in the drink.
Most of my clientele in Atlanta prefer Makers Mark with ginger ale to accentuate this whiskys notes of caramel and vanilla.” Thandi Walton, lead bartender at Bar Margot, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
The Modern Japanese Whisky Scene
Japans early debt to Scottish techniques can mask the innovative streak that runs through the countrys whisky industry, but the individuality of Japans whiskies is hard to ignore when sampling its blends.
These whisky blends are the drivers of the industry. Blends such as Hibiki and Nikka From the Barrel are rightly lauded for their quality and are equally remarkable for their experimental side.
The countrys love for whisky blends is fuelled by the mizuwari cocktail, a shot of whisky stirred with plenty of ice and sparkling water. This cocktail is the epitome of Japans modern whisky scene, served chilled in a highball glass.
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What Is A Good Starter Japanese Whiskey
Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Yoichi Single Malt is a product from Nikka’s first distillery in 1934, which is the Yoichi distillery. While in Scotland, Masataka Taketsuru, the founder, learned the art of making whisky.
He was so inspired by it that he decided to bring what he had experienced overseas back home. This led him to choose Hokkaido as a location for this new venture because its environmental characteristics are very similar to those in Scotland.
The nose on this single malt is full-bodied and smooth but mellow at first. As it sits in the whiskey glass, its smoky notes become more powerful before revealing hints of citrus fruit like orange and lemon along with spices such as nutmeg or ginger that add a kick to your senses.
The aggressive taste of this whisky is balanced by a powerful attack that delivers equal parts peat, smoke, spices, and fresh fruit.
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Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky
The definition of pure malt lies somewhere between blended whiskey and single malt. Produced only from malted barley, it contains distillates from more than one distillery in this case, Nikkas Yoichi and Miyagikyo facilities. Character-wise, were firmly in single malt territory, and headed toward the richer, bolder end of the spectrum. Hints of earth, smoke, and spice provide nuance and personality. Average price: $87.
Akashi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Produced at the Eigashima distillery, this single malt ages for five to eight years in former bourbon, sherry, and brandy casks. Located in Akashi, near the Osaka Bay, the maturing single malt takes on a salty, maritime profile, which weaves in seamlessly with its rich core of malt and orchard fruit notes. Average price: $86.
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Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi
Single Malt Yoichi is raised in Hokkaido, which was selected as the ideal place for by Masataka Takezuru, the father of Japanese whiskey . Yoichi Single Malt is described as bold and strong. Pleasant peaty notes and smokiness originate from traditional direct coal-fired distillation accented with a briny hint delivered by the sea breeze during the ageing process.
A well-balanced taste that gives equal aromas of peat, smoke, spices, fresh fruits and nuts . The mid-palate starts off with chocolate notes, but the peat soon takes the lead once again. Recommended to be enjoyed with light snacks.